Hot Off the Press

Record Robot Sales in 2011

Friday, February 17, 2012

North American robotics companies sold more robots—19,337 to be exact--in 2011 than ever before, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Ann Arbor, MI. The previous record was 18,228 robots, sold in 2005. Compared to 2010, North American robot sales in 2011 ticked up by 47 percent in units and 38 percent in dollars. Of note: automotive orders from component suppliers jumped 77 percent in 2011, while orders for robots from OEMs grew by 59 percent. More at www.robotics.org/.

Metal Stamper Adds Adaptive Resistance-Welding System

Friday, February 17, 2012

PTM Corp., Fair Haven, MI, a provider of metal stampings, assemblies and fourslide and progressive dies, has acquired an adaptive resistance-welding machine from Aro Welding Technologies, Chesterfield Township, MI. The welding system automatically adjusts to the thickness and number of sheets to be welded without the need to change the welding schedule. PTM expects the new welding setup to shorten lead times, improve weld quality and reduce costs for its customers; www.ptmcorporation.com/. Download a brochure on the Aro adaptive welding control system here.

Tedco Recertified as a WOSB

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Progressive-die metal stamper and fourslide operator Tedco, Inc., Cranston, RI, has been recertified from a CCR/ORCA to a Women Owned Small Business. The recertification, says company president and CF Dona Vincent, entitles it to compete for contracts available through government programs. Tedco is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and is TS 16949 compliant; www.tedco-inc.com/.